“The American Academy of Family Physicians applauds the nomination of Donald Berwick, M.D., to be administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“With its commitment to quality improvement and its longstanding relationship with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the AAFP is pleased to see a nominee who has such a strong background in quality improvement named to this vital position.

“Dr. Berwick’s health policy expertise has helped ensure that best practices in medical care and groundbreaking medical research are brought to the physician’s office. As a result, he has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to building a patient-centered, quality-focused and efficient health care system. We appreciate his support for strengthening primary care in the Medicare and Medicaid systems.

“The AAFP looks forward to working with Dr. Berwick on implementing the new health care reform law, continuing to improve the quality of care provided to our patients and ensuring a stable source of health care for Medicare beneficiaries.”

Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 115,900 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.

Approximately one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is nearly 214 million office visits each year — nearly 74 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.

To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.FamilyDoctor.org(www.familydoctor.org).